| This study focused on the changing nature of higher education as a result of the establishment and implementation of economic development programs within higher education institutions. The topic of higher education and economic development has been addressed by various agencies and representatives of state and federal governments as well as administrators from public and private institutions of higher education. However, the role of economic development in higher education has not been addressed. The problem of this study was to investigate the role of economic development in major institutions of higher education. A series of research questions addressed the role or impact of the economic development program in four areas: (a) purpose, (b) organizational structure, (c) evaluation, and (d) funding.;A questionnaire was sent to 51 Land Grant and Non-land Grant institutions which had reported economic development activity programs. An investigation of those institutions that had an overall program for economic development showed that universities are becoming more involved in economic development and they have recently attempted to coordinate their approach. Case studies representing three organizational models were identified: centralized administration; decentralized college approach; and a matrix management model.;The establishment and coordination of the overall economic development program resulted in identifying and improving goals and objectives for economic development, addressing policy governing economic development activities, and centralizing the administrative structure to manage the variety of activities.;Economic development was perceived primarily as a service function, yet, it was shown to relate to both research and teaching. The establishment of the overall economic development programs was stimulated by external forces, such as the state governor or state government, and internal forces, such as the university's administration. The commercialization of university research is both an important and emerging part of the overall economic development program. |
